June 16, 2004

  Peter has stood up and declared the phenomena that is being observed is a fulfillment of Joel 2’s prophecy concerning the outpouring of the ministry of God’s spirit upon Israel and the nations with respect to national blessings.  Chap.2, verse 21 “whosoever shall call on the name of  the Lord shall be saved”-  Joel’s quote has “delivered” instead of “saved”.  In the Joel 2 context, the “deliverance” is likely physical safety for those in Jerusalem during the events surrounding the Great Tribulation.  We tend to read the verse as offering eternal life; and while that may be so, we must not overlook the reality of impending physical judgment upon Israel and the city of Jerusalem –see Lk.19:41-44 that is fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD under the siege of the Romans.

Chapter 2, verse 22 –now Peter directs the attention of his listeners to Jesus, introducing him as One who worked “miracles, wonders and signs”---he would credit Jesus with the language phenomena that they are observing- see vs. 33.

“which God did by him in the midst of you…..you know”- Peter brings them back to the reality of the amazing works of Jesus of which they are clearly aware.

Chapter 2, verse 23-“by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God…”- Peter, under the power of the Holy Spirit, correctly reports God’s action in bringing Jesus under the power of the

people of Israel.  The language conveys divine intervention that understood what was occurring—see Isa. 53:10, Dan.9:24-26.

“you have taken….crucified…slain”-see 3:14-15.  That Israel may be charged with the death of Messiah is clear- I Thess. 2:14-15 as well as Matt. 23:35.  Peter is preaching an indictment!

Chapter 2, verse 24 “whom God has raised up..”- the resurrection now becomes the center of Peter’s message.  Peter will prove the case for Jesus’ resurrection through OT scripture, eye-witnesses and the coming of the Holy Spirit there at Pentecost.

Chapter 2, verse 25-31 form Peter’s argument from OT scripture.

He uses Ps. 16:8-11 attributing the remarks to David.  In vs.29, the reminds the listeners that David is physically dead, but acted as a

Prophet.  He then ties together the Davidic covenant of

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II Sam. 7:12-16 which promises a descendant of David will rule from the Davidic throne forever.  Joined with Ps.16:10, Peter sees fulfillment in the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He adds in vs.32,

“This Jesus hath God raised up, …..we all are witnesses”.

Chapter 2, verse 33-Peter introduces the thought of “by the right hand of God exalted” and ties this to the promise of the Holy Spirit.

He attributes the phenomena of the Holy Spirit which they “now see and hear” to the person of Christ.

  Peter attempts to show his listeners that what they are seeing and hearing (languages) is related to the recent crucifixion of Jesus and his subsequent resurrection and rise to heaven.  And all of it is supported by OT scripture.  Note how Peter alludes to a Trinitarian God in this verse—“Father, Holy Spirit and Christ”.

  As yet you have not heard Peter proclaim that eternal life is a gift from God for those who trust the Christ who bore their sin on Calvary.

What he argues for is that the Jesus that was crucified is alive and has sent His Spirit in accordance with the prophecies of Old Testament scripture.